Fundraising for young stroke victims

Maria Fredatovich is raising funds for young stroke
victims. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.

There is little support for young people who suffer a
life-changing stroke, says survivor Maria Fredatovich.

Sixteen years after her stroke, Ms Fredatovich has launched
the Young Stroke Survivors New Zealand Fundraising Appeal to
fund recreational and sporting activities.

Now living in Wanaka, Ms Fredatovich (30) grew up in
Auckland, and had a stroke in 1996 while undergoing surgery
for epilepsy seizures. She and her family endured a four-year
battle with the Accident Compensation Corporation to have a
claim arising from the incident accepted.

She had an excellent recuperation, exceeding the doctors'
expectations, and spent three years in London, including
travelling around Europe, before settling in Wanaka last
year.

Both London and Wanaka were preferable to Auckland, because
they were less isolating for people with mobility issues.

Ms Fredatovich was inspired by the recuperation this year of
a 12-year-old Auckland girl who suffered a stroke in April,
and she would be the first recipient of the fund in the form
of a skiing holiday to Wanaka.

Ms Fredatovich has raised nearly $3000 since launching the
fund in October, and is seeking sponsorship deals with
businesses.

She visited Dunedin at the weekend as part of her
fund-raising efforts.

Only 5% of strokes occurred in those aged under 45, she said.

Because they mostly affected older people, stroke support
systems were geared towards an older demographic. For more
information, visit: www.yssnz.weebly.com[2]